Richard H. Rovere (1915–1979)

I recently re-read this book for something like the fifth time. Well-written, very funny in spots, but also archly observed. The New Yorker Profile par excellence, and warmly recommended for anyone who likes New York City history, legal history, or is simply looking for a good story.

This little book came out in early 1968, as a compilation of 4 articles published by Rovere in the New Yorker. One of the most perceptive political journalists of his era, Rovere explains why he has gradually come to oppose the Vietnam war, after having initially supported it with misgivings. His reasoning is a masterpiece of clear thinking about complex international and domestic political affairs, and helps put the dilemmas of the era in historical perspective. He very clearly saw that show more almost any outcome in Vietnam would ultimately benefit the American right wing more than the liberals. His perspicacity in that regard is really quite stunning, as is his recognition, in an era when no one yet perceived the importance of global environmental problems such as climate change, that the world had very quickly passed the time (only 25 years or so in the past when he wrote the book, after all) when traditional power politics trumped demographic and environmental issues in importance. show less

There does come a point where the snark factor produces diminishing returns. Like A.J. Liebling, Rovere can't really resist putting in side comments which detract from the serious issues he raises about McCarthy; most notably, McCarthy's shady finances, a point not often raised. Interestingly, Rovere roundly denounces government workers' leakage of documents to McCarthy; one wonders whether he would view those kinds of actions with the same outrage today.

Fascinating account of two criminal lawyers (in every sense) who pioneered many modern methods of
twisting justice, notably the uinsanity defense.